Airstream Life Fall 2012

BOXFOTOS • ALUMAPALOOZA PEOPLE • THE LIVING IS EASY

traveling well ­Online Edition

Fall 2012 AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA ML IFE .CO M

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

traveling well

Fall 2012

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

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EDITOR’S PAGE

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INBOX

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Art in a Box

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Alumapalooza People

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The Livin’ Is Easy

RIVIT BIT

Airstreaming

FROM THE ARCHIVES Rivit Bit, Page 11

Airstreaming, Page 14

From The Archives, Page 20 2

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EDITOR’S PAGE

An Airstream For Life

ABOUT OUR COVER Our cover art was created by author/illustrator Chris Gall, and was adapted from his book There’s Nothing To Do On Mars, a 2008 Kirkus Best Book selection.

PHOTO: ALISON LEIGH WETZEL TURNER

For 25 years, Chris Gall’s artwork has been seen in almost every publication in America, including Time, Newsweek, People, Fortune, The New York Times, and the Washington Post. He has won over 50 major awards from Communication Arts Magazine and the Society of Illustrators. He is also the author and illustrator of six books for children, including the bestselling Dinotrux. More of his work can be seen at www.chrisgall.com. He is represented by the ArtsEye Gallery at www.artseye.com.

A few years ago I met a guy who traveled in a “white box” trailer for his job. He had a pattern: buy a new trailer, wear it out in three or four years, and then throw it away and buy another one. I told him he could buy a nice used Airstream for the price of two of those white boxes, and it would last him a lifetime with normal maintenance.

But he didn’t believe it. He was on his way to buying another disposable trailer.

Wally Byam never made any apologies for the fact that Airstreams were more expensive than the competing brands. He once said (to a customer who was griping about the cost), “Talk is cheap, Airstreams are expensive,” which I think was his way of saying that you get what you pay for. The fact that the company and the trailers are still around after eight decades proves that a lot of people agree with him.

I, of course, am one of those people. My family’s Airstream is now seven years old, and has seen well over 100,000 hard miles of towing and the equivalent of five years of full-time living. It has kept us in comfort and style everywhere from Maine to Mexico, from the Keys to Vancouver, traveling over potholes and washboard road everywhere. Most “white box” trailers would be heading to the landfill right about now, but our Airstream has shrugged off all of that use and looks good for decades to come. That’s value.

Of course nothing lasts forever, and after all of that use it’s time for a re-fresh.

We expect to spend a few months this winter doing a cosmetic makeover of the interior and upgrading a few systems, just like you’d do with a stationary house once in a while. It makes sense, since our Airstream is the centerpiece of our family’s togetherness. We want it to last for a lifetime.

To those of you who are just starting out with your first Airstream, this may sound like sentimental nonsense. When we started Airstreaming in 2003 we had no idea how it would enrich our lives. We could never have imagined all the people we’d meet, and all the places we’d see. Through all the adventures, the Airstream has been the one constant; at the end of every day our cozy home has always been there for us. It has become a beloved member of the family. Give it a few years and you’ll know what I mean.

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traveling well

At this point the only reason we see to let go of our Airstream will be when our daughter leaves home. Perhaps we’ll downsize to something a little smaller, outfit it just the way we want, and “disappear” for months at a time. But even if we decide to keep the one we have and just refurbish it again, there’s no reason to think that it won’t last for the rest of our lives.

As I write this, we are preparing to hit the road again for a month in Colorado. The centerpiece of the trip will be a week at Alumafandango (our upcoming event in Denver). These special events are becoming a big part of our annual travel now. It started with Alumapalooza in May at the Airstream factory, then Alumafandango at Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver, and—starting next February—an entirely new event in Tucson called “Alumafiesta” to be held in the midst of the world-famous Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase that takes over the city every winter. Hopefully you can join us at one of these events. Each one is different, and they’re all great fun.

I’m particularly excited about Alumafiesta. It will offer a premium experience: full hookups, interpretive guides and seminars about local culture and history, guided historical and photographic tours, catered breakfasts and dinner, optional lunches for a bit more local flavor, and great entertainment including a special solo performance by Antsy McClain of the Trailer Park Troubadours. You’ll see a lot, learn a lot, and enjoy the fine Tucson weather in February while most of the country is shoveling snow.

Can’t beat that!

Regardless of which event you attend, you’ll meet fellow Airstreamers with similar interests and really get the most out of your Airstream. If it isn’t already, I predict it will soon become your lifelong friend.

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine Editor and Publisher: Rich Luhr rich@airstreamlife.com Associate Editors:

Tom Bentley

Becky Blanton Layout and Design: OneTree Marketing lisa@airstreamlife.com Advertising Sales: Brett Greiveldinger brett@airstreamlife.com

(802) 877-2900 Ext. 2 Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius Culinary Consultant: Eleanor O’Dea Customer Service: David Winter Associate Contributors:

Jody Brotherston

J. Rick Cipot

Fred Coldwell

Renee Ettline

Bert Gildart

John Irwin

Forrest McClure

Charles Spiher

Happy travels!

CONTACT Airstream Life 411 Walnut St #4468 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Telephone: (802) 877-2900 Fax: (802) 610-1013 www.airstreamlife.com

Rich Luhr Editor & Publisher

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION You can get Airstream Life online, for free! Each issue we select 15-20 pages of the upcoming magazine and make it available on the Internet to readers who sign up at www.airstreamlife.com/ online. It’s a sneak peek, with no cost, no obligation!

CUSTOMER SERVICE Airstream Life’s world headquarters are the dinette table of a 2005 Airstream Safari 30 We’re always glad to hear from you, but if you have a simple ­question, please check our ­­website for help first. There you can subscribe, renew your subscription, change your address, get advertising information, download writer’s and photographer’s guidelines, ­notify us of an address change,and get answers to frequently-asked questions. See www.airstreamlife.com or call (802) 877-2900.

Airstream Life (ISSN 1550-5979) is published quarterly

by Church Street Publishing, Inc., 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs FL 32043. Subscription price is $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Ferrisburg VT and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Airstream Life, 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 © Copyright 2012 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM® is the property of Airstream, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in CANADA.

INBOX

Airstream and Clouds I was outside in our backyard enjoying the nice weather, and admiring the cloud formations. I decided to take a few photos, and then saw the perfect reflection. Our polished 1960 Ambassador was reflecting beautiful clouds! My husband spent a year restoring this trailer, and over 100 hours polishing it. This photograph was taken with an iPhone 4S, and edited using Snapseed, and Camera + apps. I enjoy sharing many of the photos that I take on Instagram, and Facebook. This photo was one of the most popular ones!

Debra Shephard California

The Silver Bond We can confirm that sometimes dreams do come true!

What is it that mysteriously connects Airstreamers? The color silver, the pickle-shape, the commonality of ownership, or all three?

When we pulled into Quartzsite AZ recently we opted to stay on BLM lands. The gem and mineral show being over, there were few RVs left on hundreds of acres of open land. No hookups, no fees, just the silence of the desert. There were 10,000 “sites” to choose from but as we turned off the road we saw the glint of silver in the distance. You know the feeling. Our rig seemed to gravitate toward its cousin and we parked about 200 yards from the other Airstream Classic. Close enough to get acquainted but not close enough to crowd.

It had been late when we arrived. Just enough time to watch the setting sun turn the sky to fire over the mountains. At breakfast the next morning the other “Airstream couple” gave a knowing wave and nod as they headed out to do errands. That evening Jenel and Jada from Washington State came over to introduce themselves, as all Airstreamers eventually do. After the initial exchange of home towns and future destinations, Jenel said something that struck a chord. “You know,” she said, “when we drove by and waved this morning, I had an almost irresistible urge to ask you if you needed anything from the grocery store or if you wanted us to take your trash into town.

I can’t explain that. We hadn’t met you yet, and somehow I wanted to do you a favor.”

It’s always there, isn’t it? The bond of silver.

Carolyn Beardshear Noblesville, Indiana

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End of a Long Day The attached photo of our ‘65 22 ft. Land Yacht Safari was taken June 6, 2012, at Ormond Beach, FL, the day after we survived both a trailer tire blowout and a blown radiator on the tow vehicle within a couple of hours of each other. Although there were no rideable waves on the coast,at the end of the day our surfin’ safari had its compensations: a beautiful spot for camping.

We love the magazine, and it seems to get better with each issue. Happy Trails!

Ray Hodges Florida

At the end of the day, our surfin’ safari had its compensations: a beautiful spot for camping.

A Rough Ride To Chaco We visited Chacos National Historical Park recently in response to your fine article [Spring 2012]. It was a rewarding visit. However, we believe you should have warned your readers concerning the nasty corduroy road. We suffered damage to interior doors and trim, and our refrigerator failed.

With prior notice, we would have camped out in Nageezi, NM, and traveled into the park in our somewhat sturdier tow vehicle. Perhaps readers ought to campaign with their senators and representatives in Congress for funding of paving of the unpaved, rough roads to this extraordinary resource into pre-Columbian American history.

Franklin Sanders Hi Franklin Sorry to hear of the damage. Bert did mention the state of the road in his article, writing: “Four days earlier we had pulled our Airstream along a road that contained about 15 miles of continuous dirt- and gravel-covered speed bumps… And so we’d put our Dodge ¾-ton pickup in four-wheel drive low and crept the entire distance, taking almost two hours to tow our Airstream along the washboard road.” It’s definitely advisable to take it easy on this road or consider camping outside the park.

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INBOX

Love From The Mother Ship Dear Airstream Life: Just a note to say we’re still buzzing about Alumapalooza 2012, held here last month. It’s not just fun for the attendees, but is enjoyed by those of us who work here as well.

And a special thanks for the collection that was taken up on behalf of families to buy summer pool passes at the Wally Byam Memorial Park. By your generosity we are able to provide season passes to a number of families to help beat the Ohio heat.

Again, thanks to all of you, travel safely, and see you in 2013!

Human Resources on behalf of the Airstream Associates Jackson Center, OH

Mrs. Hut Speaks Out Dear Editor, Mr. Hut wrote you a letter in this issue about his invention of a special bra for ladies. He also describes how he and the other knuckleheads in our Heart of Texas Campers club like to wear their Mexican wrestling masks and strut around.

Enclosed is a picture of our group and I believe it is proof positive that it’s the men in our group that need the special bras.

Mrs. Tin Hut

Alien Landing?

Alien ship lands on Golden Gate Bridge on its 75th anniversary… but somehow major news stations miss it. [Editor’s note: It might not be an alien ship, it might be a 1949 Curtis Wright Clipper.]

PHOTO: JAY SOUSA

Dal Smilie

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Dreams do come true!

Our Airstream dream was born over two decades ago when Nathalie and I made our first cross country journey between Montreal and Alaska in a small subcompact. We covered over 15,000 km (9,300 miles) in just three weeks and saw hundreds of square box type RV trailers of all kinds.

But from time to time, we came across a very unique type. One night at a campground we saw one of these unique type trailers from close and decided to enquire.

For the first time we were front and center with an Airstream! So from that point on we started to count the times we saw one in our travels. Over the years, we have crossed Canada a few times and the end result of our non-scientific survey was about a dozen sightings. By then, we were hooked!

So 21 years later we are proud to say that maybe someone will count ours in their travels. The following pictures are the result of our dream come true since we just returned from our first 10 day boondocking experience on the shore of the mighty St-Lawrence River in Les Bergeronnes, Quebec, Canada with our brand new 2011, 23FB Flying Cloud 80th Anniversary edition.

We can confirm that sometimes dreams do come true!

Daniel Doiron and Nathalie Tremblay Val-des-Monts, Quebec, Canada

Your “quick start” guide to traveling, camping, and owning an Airstream travel trailer!

This fun guide is filled with succinct, practical and tested answers to the most commonly-asked questions and typical new owner challenges. Includes sections on all kinds of “newbie” topics: understanding all the systems, camping, towing, solar & generators, maintenance, winterizing, simple repairs, packing, backing, dumping, filling, winter travel, Internet, cleaning, tools, myths, and sample checklists.

Makes a great gift for new Airstream owners, and a handy reference even for experienced owners. Includes over 30 illustrations, and an indispensable eight-page “Jargon Guide” with definitions of commonly used Airstreaming terms.

Spiral bound (so it lays flat while you're reading it), and 6x9" paperback format so it will fit on Airstream shelves. 104 pages. Written by Rich Luhr (Editor of Airstream Life) with contributions by Airstream Life staff. $9.95 at the Airstream Life store at www.airstreamlife.com/store and Amazon.com.

Available as an eBook for Kindle and iPad/iPhone too!

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is on call 24/7 if they should ever need help. will call the road their home this weekend.

24/7 roadside assistance. Your weekends are spent on the open road. What makes it even easier is knowing that with Progressive’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance you will never be stranded. In fact, Progressive will tow your RV and your vehicle, even if your vehicle isn’t insured by us. Drive comfortably. Call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, go to progressive.com or call an independent agent.

ProGressiVe.coM

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Roadside Assistance is subject to policy terms.

10D00070 (06/10)

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RIVET BIT

Artin a Box

By Becky Blanton

ABOVE: Sharing art with people in the cozy space of an Airstream is really what the Boxfotos trailer is all about. The size of the Airstream’s closet determines the largest image they can store: 11x14.

It wasn’t serendipity, but rather sticker shock and an unusually creative approach to creating a gallery that changed the fate and fortune of Tampa photographers Matt and Rebecca Sexton Larson. The couple, both professional photographers, had always wanted to travel more and showcase their photography along the way.

They thought about buying an Airstream so they could gut it and turn it into a gallery on wheels, but they weren’t sure. They talked about using the trailer for short trips too, since they both travel a lot for their day jobs as well as for their own business, “Boxfotos” (a name that is a metaphor for “pinhole camera photography,” which they are both passionate about.) They thought a Bambi would be a good choice and eventually fell in love with one at a local dealer, but the price made them hesitate.

In the meantime they set up a website, designed a logo with an Airstream and created a Facebook page before they even had the Airstream. They thought it would be a way to help raise money to fund the Airstream.

“We thought, if we build it they’ll come,” Rebecca said. And they were right.

They came so fast the Larsons had to bite the bullet and buy an Airstream to meet the demands of people who wanted to see it!

After scouring the forums and web for used Airstreams they eventually found a 2008, 23-foot Flying Cloud International Ocean Breeze near Tampa. They drove down to see it and fell in love. Matt crossed his fingers and put a bid on it and got it. He was surprised but pleased.

The only bad thing about the Airstream was they had to change their plans to gut it and use it for a gallery. “It was literally in mint condition,” Matt said. “So we had to change our business plans a bit and figure out how to make it work.” This meant coming up with an entirely different way of showing, traveling with and displaying their art since Airstreams, unless they’re gutted, really don’t have a lot of wall space.

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INBOX “A typical show in a gallery would have 3040 pieces,” said Matt. “We didn’t have that much space. Rebecca works at a museum with museum boxes all the time. That’s when we got the idea to use the museum boxes. We said, ‘hey, wait a minute, we could do this. We already have the name Boxfotos. If we put unframed work into museum boxes it would work.’ So we measured the closet and decided we could have a gallery by putting matted pieces into museum boxes and stacking them in the closet. Our first outing we were able to get more than 75 pieces in the closet that way, which is more than we could have had in a gallery. It’s like having two one-person shows this way.”

They do have one other one-of-a-kind feature, a mobile Art-O-Mat machine. Art-OMat machines have been around since 1997.

They’re based on old vending machines that have been repurposed to sell art instead of cigarettes and food. Artists from around the country sell their art, all sized about the dimensions of a business card (2 1/4x 3 inches). Every piece of art is $5 and can be anything from a photograph, jewelry, and weavings, prints or even fused glass.

The Larsons are part of the 400 active artists who have sold their photos through ArtO-Mat’s 90 machines nationwide. The machines are located around the country in various stores and retail locations, but the Larsons have the smallest and only mobile machine in the world—and it travels with them wherever they go.

Their two dogs also make up part of the traveling art gallery, another reason Matt’s glad they didn’t choose a Bambi. Even with the animals and two adults, a viewing table for prospective buyers and all the day-to-day supplies they need, the Airstream is large enough for their needs.

They’re limited to 11 x 14 inch pieces because that’s the size of the closet, but it hasn’t hampered their photos or creativity.

The archival quality boxes are part of the art itself, making them more than just fine art storage. Each box creates a small environment that holds photographs organized by type and theme. Prices range from individual photos starting from $25 and ranging to $800 to $1,600 for boxed sets.

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Rebecca, who makes her own camera out of found objects, coffee cups, and even a metal Band-Aid box, combines the camera and the prints into collectable, one-of-a-kind sets. Since the photos are made without negatives, each print is unique and therefore more valuable.

They haven’t quit their day jobs yet. Matt works full-time for a Tampa media company. He’s the community partnership manager at WFLA-Ch. 8. Rebecca is the assistant curator and registrar at Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs. The couple also teaches classes in making and using pinhole cameras.

It’s part of why they want a permanent building at some point.

In the meantime they use the facilities at various parks and zoos to hold their classes. Several institutions—colleges and schools—are also working with the couple to host workshops. But even when they get their permanent gallery they plan to keep the Airstream.

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traveling well

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AIRSTREAMING

Alumapalooza People

Sheryl Vickers demonstrates her “can do” attitude (and some muscle).

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It was all smiles again this year at Airstream Life’s annual “Alumapalooza” event, when photographer Alison Turner roamed the field to capture the faces of attendees. Nearly 200 Airstreams were parked during the five-day event, which is held each year the week after Memorial Day at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, OH.

Alumapalooza 4 will be held May 28 through June 2, 2013.

Online registration is open now at www.alumapalooza.com

Four ladies from Oregon (Mona Heath, Susan Taylor, Kimberly Abramski, and Cary King) caravanned together all the way to Ohio.

Steven Mentz and his lab “Duncan”.

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AIRSTREAMING

Ed Emerick (center) handily won the “Backup Derby” contest. Here he poses with Airstream Life contributor Marcia Hahn, Sandy Emerick, Kay Stenz, Don Stenz and “Dude” the Border Collie.

Experienced Alumapalooz-ites Theresa Sherley, Christine Allessio, Greg Sherley and kids arrived for their third Alumapalooza.

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Steve Greer and Barbara Greer have got it all: a Classic Airstream motorhome and a nice set of pink flamingos.

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AIRSTREAMING

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Musical performers Wayne Waxing and Lucy Tight (“Hymn For Her”) wowed the audience.

They’re in front of Wally’s famous “gold trailer,” with daughter Diver.

The Collected Adventures of

Tin Hut VOLUME I

At last the complete story of Mr. and Mrs. Tin Hut can be told!

If you love the Huts, or haven’t read all of their memorable adventures, here’s your opportunity to get 22 stories in a single volume. From nightmare trailer park to traumatizing family reunion to disastrous Now Available Mr. Ed Convention, Mr. Hut somehow manages to find the silver lining in every episode. His lifelong love, Mrs. Hut, tells her story too, while standing by her man as best she can in the wake of enraged farmers, insulted performers, horrified fellow campers, bewildered contest judges, and pierced in-laws.

in Print!

Long a favorite of Airstream Life magazine readers, this is the first collection of Tin Hut stories ever published.

It might be the last, too, considering that in this collection he manages to get stuck in a horse costume, hung from a tree, nearly electrocuted in bed, diagnosed with Fainting Goat syndrome, and set on fire. Includes all the hilarious illustrations by Brad Cornelius!

Order your copy now from www.airstreamlife.com/store, just $14.95

Also available as an ebook for Kindle and iPad. A IRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA MLIF E .CO M

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Summertime … and the livin’ is easy … especially with an Airstream that you park on a Florida beach. Those who claim the journey is more important than the destination obviously don’t own a hammock. They have not yet been soothed by the caressing fibers of pliable rope gently suspended in a baby’s breath of a Gulf breeze.

Meanwhile, the children are attentively engaged in quiet individual activities, visible but not audible. A sandcastle construction project is just getting underway in the pink pail while a Third position is taking shape with the assistance of an inflatable tube. All is calm.

Dear wife, who just returned from shopping, turns while entering the Trade Wind to announce she has just restocked the dry vermouth, Angostura bitters, green olives and Bengal Gin (“the paws that refreshes”). She also found that paperback book you requested, the latest Travis McGee adventure, Bright Orange for the Shroud.

Life is good.

This relaxing state of affairs is all made possible by your faithful Airstream, the one that provides a home away from home in the most magnificent settings of your choosing.

Airstream’s contract photographer, Ardean Miller, here paints in Kodachrome a perfect picture of how an Airstream can improve one’s lot. He had a wonderful ability to create lifestyle dioramas into which potential customers could project themselves while contemplating a purchase. The Airstream is the means to freedom, guided by imagination to satisfy one’s deepest dreams.

For more Ardean Miller magic, revisit our article on his stunning Airstream photography in the Winter 2007 issue.

Fred Coldwell

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

traveling well

Fall 2012

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

4

EDITOR’S PAGE

6

INBOX

10

Art in a Box

12

Avoiding Vintage Disasters

20

Rent My Airstream?

FEATURE

24

Understanding Wheelbase and Overhang

TOWING

28

The Livin’ Is Easy

30

1959 Airstream Trailers

36

Dark Sky Parks

42

Aluminum Kin: 1954 Silver Streak

48

Alumapalooza People

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Good and Plenty Power

TECH TIPS

64

A Most Uplifting Idea

LAST MILE

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RIVET BIT

BUYER’S GUIDE

Airstream Rentals, Page 20

FROM THE ARCHIVES

OLD ALUMINUM

INTERIORS

1954 Silver Streak, Page 42

PHOTO: ALISON TURNER

AIRSTREAMING

PHOTO: RICH LUHR

NATIONAL PARKS

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Alumapalooza People, Page 48

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